Milwaukee Chapter

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Mission:
To build positive and on-going relationships between Milwaukee and the northern part of Ireland and particularly St Patrick’s Country in Counties Armagh and Down. To learn about and experience the cultures of Northern Ireland and the reconciliation work which is going on there through the Saint Patrick Centre and other organisations. Through education, action and celebration, Friends of St. Patrick – Milwaukee will take forward and nurture Patrick’s legacy both in America and Ireland.

Goals:
• Support the Saint Patrick Centre in Ireland and charitable organizations within our community, through volunteer and fundraising efforts.

• Learn actively about the different cultures and history of Northern Ireland through visits, talks and demonstration. This should be delivered through personal updates from the Director, speakers representing the traditions and cultures of the northern part of Ireland and, when called upon, Young Ambassadors.

• Offer support for continuing links between the Chapter and the Saint Patrick Centre through initiatives like the Friends of Saint Patrick Young Ambassadors Program which will annually send young people to Saint Patrick’s Country in Northern Ireland to experience the cultures and traditions of the region and the reconciliation work of the Saint Patrick Centre and other organizations.

• Have a meeting with the Director of the Saint Patrick Centre in Milwaukee and updates twice a year.

• Promote the Friends of Saint Patrick at Irish Fest and other suitable events.

• Aim to have meetings at least quarterly and provide a forum for speakers from Northern Ireland on a range of subjects including musical performance.

• Partner with other local organizations working for a positive future in Northern Ireland.

• Support the cross community education programs conducted in Northern Ireland by the Saint Patrick Centre.

Chapter History/Details:
Plans are coming together for our first year as a Friends of St. Patrick Chapter. Our officers began the process through filing Articles of Incorporation as a Nonstock Corporation. Currently, we are developing by-laws and will soon file for 501(c) (3) status. Our plan is to schedule quarterly meetings that continue to inform members of Chapter happenings and provide continued education and culture surrounding our tie to Northern Ireland. We look forward to featuring keynote speakers from Northern Ireland, concerts and events that will help fuel the Centre’s overall mission and programming efforts. Community outreach will be an important part of our programming and partnerships will enable us to heighten awareness among local and regional organizations about the work being done at the Centre, the legacy of Patrick and the culture and history of Northern Ireland. Meetings will be open to all those interested in learning more about the Friends of St. Patrick and our local chapter and will be held at the Irish Fest Center and other locations throughout Milwaukee. Our goal is to grow the membership base and continue to strengthen the relationship between Milwaukee and Northern Ireland.

“Many of us in the Irish community helped to launch the Friends of Saint Patrick chapter in Milwaukee because we believe in educating people about the story of Saint Patrick and bringing the spirit of his message on reconciliation to our own city,” said Tom Callen, Chapter President. “We invite our friends in Milwaukee to join the Chapter and gain a better understanding of the culture and traditions of Northern Ireland. We look forward to welcoming new members,” Callen added.

Officers:
Tom Callen, Chapter President tom.callen@callenconstruction
Jane Anderson, Secretary Treasurer jane@irishfest.com
Ed Ward, Incorporator eward2@wi.rr.com

Honorary Friends:
Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Jan Anderson

Charter Members: